Construction

Increased activity in the construction sector - due in part to the massive infrastructure needed to accommodate the 2012 Olympic Games to be held in London - means that shortages exist for professional technicians within the industry. This Foundation Degree aims to give you the skills and knowledge expected of a trainee/assistant construction professional across a number of construction disciplines.

Firstly, you will examine key areas of construction, such as the technology behind it, as well as contractual, economics and sustainability issues in relation to the built environment. Crucially, you will also gain some valuable hands-on experience in the workplace through the Professional Development module.

Your studies will progress to look at the impact of construction on the environment, and you'll explore how to achieve harmony between buildings and their surroundings. You will investigate construction project management, and effective team working, in addition to taking on a work-based project.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
2 Years. Monday 5.00pm-9.00pm & Tuesday 5.00pm-9.00pm.

WHEN DOES IT START?
13 September 2010.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
The tuition fee for this course is £2,000.00 per annum (home students only).

For overseas students and/or full details of expenses please refer to the The Money Matters Page or contact the Information Centre.

WHERE DOES IT TAKE PLACE?
South Cheshire College.

WHO IS IT SUITABLE FOR?
The course is initially targeted at people working in the construction industry who aim to progress their career, and utilise their experience to contribute to their studies. Students from the BTEC National Diploma or Certificate in Building Studies would also find this an ideal course to progress to.

WHAT ARE THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS?
Students must be at least 18 years old and have one of the following:

1) A-Level (A2/Advanced GCE)
2) BTEC National Certificate/Diploma
3) AVCE (Double award) at 'DD'
4) Access to Higher Education certificate
5) Equivalent Level 3 qualification, e.g. NVQ Level 3
6) Mathematics and English GCSE Grade C or above, or Key Skills Communication and Application of Number at Level 2, or equivalent levels of attainment given the nature of the award
7) You may be someone with experience of working in construction and assessed as being able to study at this level
8) Maturity and experience of working in the construction industry will be taken into account. All applicants will be invited to attend an interview with the Admissions Tutor.

WHAT CAN I DO NEXT?
After this Foundation Degree, you can continue your studies for another 12 months (full-time) to gain a full Honours degree offered by the University of Wolverhampton or other universities. Or another two years (full-time) for a professionally accredited degree course, and then eventual professional membership of a key construction institution such as the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) or Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). The course could also lead to technician-level opportunities in the construction industry as a trainee/assistant in the following roles: construction manager, quantity surveyor, building control officer or building surveyor.

IF I NEED SUPPORT?
The College provides a range of learning support for students who would like extra help with their studies. If you need help in deciding what to study or information on travel, finance, childcare, personal or health concerns, contact the Information Centre.

HOW DO I APPLY?
Contact the Information Centre (telephone: +44 (0)1270 654654).